MY 2014 THANKSGIVING CALENDAR

The Psalmist in Psalm 103:1-2 made a very important statement, “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:”

The year 2014 was indeed a most exciting and interesting one, full of experiences and lessons worth thanking God for. And just like the song writer wrote, I have decided to count my blessings, naming them one by one so that I can be careful to return all the glory to God Almighty.

The month of January was a very refreshing month of spiritual exercise, a time of preparations for the rest of the year. I really thank God for the month because after being refreshed during the month, I was invited for an interview at a renowned international school in Lagos. I won’t cease to thank God for the experience I garnered from it.

When February dawned, it was indeed a new day and a new month as my expectations were satiated. My younger brother who had long awaited his admission got his offer and it was his course of choice. This is in addition to admission offers to two younger siblings of mine. They were indeed God’s doings and still thank God for those three miracle admissions offered my younger ones into the university. Meanwhile, the month kept rolling, I had to take a positive step of applying for Basic Certificate Course (BCC) in the Word Of Faith Bible Institute (WOFBI) so as to advance my level of operation as a person. It was indeed a great time of impartation and spiritual awakening. To God alone be all the glory for the numerous encounters I had with His Word.

Then came March, the month in which our prophetic focus in church was ‘The Wise Shall Inherit Glory’. I was indeed expecting nothing other than glory. It was a month of exposures for me. I moved from writing an oil and gas job test to series of interviews in one of the major telecom companies. They were all exciting and great experiences. I give God all the glory.

It was now April, our month of signs and wonders. And like our spiritual focus was, I expected nothing less than signs and wonders. So in the course of the month I got a third interview in the telecom company which was also inspiring. Besides, opportunity to handle a Foundation Bible Class came along and I was happy to have such a privilege to serve in God’s house. Things kept changing for good and God’s faithfulness remained constant. Various opportunities to be a blessing came along in the month and I made move to maximize them. I still return all glory to God Almighty for the grace to be a blessing to people.

Signs and wonders remained the order of the day till May came.  It was indeed a month of opportunities and I registered for Leadership Certificate Course (LCC) in WOFBI. I was really nurtured by the teachings from God’s Word as it relates to leaders. While on the course I met a friend who has been an inspiration and a blessing. I really thank God for my LCC programme.

June was indeed a dramatic month. I was drawn to begin a technical training on phone unlocking with miracle provisions made. However, I now understand that God had better plans for me. So I thank Him for not letting me go off track. I then made diverse moves to change my position and as well enjoyed unprecedented blessings. I give God all the glory.

It was now July, the month of my birth and it started on a very bright note. Before the middle of the month I was already into a System Networking training in which I began to acquire practical skills I had long desired to obtain. I thank God for the opportunity to acquire such knowledge virtually free of charge which on a normal day costs large sums. The month was indeed full of revelations and there was an opportunity to minister in a school’s graduation ceremony too. I thank God also for my being part of the International Youth Alive Convention which held in Canaanland, Ota. That Convention really helped channel my life.

On the 1^st of August, I got an invite for an interview in an application development firm. That also added to my experience in the corporate world. Meanwhile, as the month progressed, God kept changing my level. Ideas were flowing in and I began to explore opportunities of taking an electronics company I was attached with to the next level of online representation. As that went on, I was invited for an interview in an education facilitating company. I give God all the glory for the offers and the wisdom to make proper decisions.

When it was September, I began to learn about discovering God’s plan for me in His Book. As the month went on, I contracted a private class with a family while my networking training was on top gear. Besides, I kept seeking for greater career opportunities. This led to my coming in contact with a recruiting firm that exposed me to another level of career pursuit. I give God alone all the glory.

Now it was October, a month of exploits. An academic career opened up for me with an offer I didn’t even apply for. It was a teaching offer and I gladly took it up to maximize my potential. As the month progressed too, I had the opportunity to join my networking team for an installation at a commercial bank in town. Besides, God kept furnishing me with provisions and I was able to meet the demands of my rent and as well as the things I needed to get for myself.

In the month of November, Exceeding Grace was all around me. Opportunities to be part of the advancement of God’s Kingdom came up. I got an offer to handle tutorials in a school without applying for it. It was indeed a month of opportunities and advancement. I give God all the glory.

Then came December, and the opportunity to be part of advancing God’s Kingdom kept coming. I was able to participate in outreaches and rallies, announcing the Kingdom of God. I kept learning and enjoyed responsibilities in my work place. When Shiloh 2014 came, I was able to be on Shiloh ground and even took someone along with me. It was quite an experience for me because I was able to participate fully. When I returned from Shiloh, work continued and I was able to round off the term’s work on a successful note. Meanwhile, another offer to handle a tutorial came up for which I have to make time and preparations. And just while I was already taking stock of the year’s testimonies to God’s glory, I got an invitation for an interview which is in line with my chosen academic career.

I indeed thank God for the series of testimonies He gave me all through 2014, both mentioned and those not mentioned. He has indeed not left me without a proof of His presence. To Him alone be all the glory.

Publisher: Azubuike Lotachukwu Livingstone

WHY BETTING IS NOT THE WAY FORWARD

Betting is a business of luck and emotions, rather than hardwork and logic. Hardly will you see, if at all, anyone made financially through betting simply because greed won't let you walk away with whatever you 'win'...there's always a feeling to try again to 'win' more. I am an advocate of hardwork, and I mean the right work. There's dignity in labour. #TellSomeone A business tycoon said: Never invest in a business you cannot control the outcome--Richard Branson Additionally, the Holy Scriptures longtime ago made a profound conclusion by saying, ''Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.'' Proverb 13:11. Guys, there is dignity in labour! #TellSomeone

THE 'COMPUTER' CALLED: BRAIN

Computers are powerful and smart devices which are fast becoming indispensable companions in our daily lives, to that I agree. Infact, these days computers perform fantastic tasks. I sometimes humourously think they may soon begin to sleep, eat and go to toilet on our behalf. Nevertheless, computers can't be compared to the human brain. The brain is a much more powerful 'device' that can perform/regulate, at the same time, multiple amazing tasks too complex to explain. For instance, computers have no ability to imagine neither can they dream. They can't perform/control myriads of chemical processes that lead to the formation of a living being ( as obtainable in the human body); and they can't also manage the complexities involved in relationships as the brain is capable of. Computers have no emotions and neither can they understand the love existing between parents and offsprings, not to talk of the magical effect of love on two lovers. The human brain is indeed a powerful 'device', loaded with wonders which can be unlocked when necessary actions are taken. It was in Physics I learnt that every object continues in a state of rest (achieving nothing) until an external force acts on it. The same is applicable to the human brain, a 'device' composed of billions of cells. Until necessary force is applied to it (which in this case includes subjecting it to useful work/study), it may remain in a state of rest (achieving nothing).

FOOTBALL TOOK MY TIME

I remember when I used to play street football, I really had fun doing it because I was very skilled at it. I dribbled my mates like they were my kids. And when I handled the ball before bigger guys, I always sort to get the ball through by passing it in-between their legs or over their heads, we called it then 'overheading'. I perpetually sort for ways to display one fantastic skill or the other just like other good guys who were my mates were doing. It was indeed fun since joggling the ball was easy for me; I remember atimes I could dribble 'a big adult' only to see the guy crashing to the ground, sometimes bruising his leg on the hard-rough road we used as our field of play, all in the attempt of trying to get the ball from me. Some of them, out of annoyance, would quickly get back on their feet and rush after me to 'pack' me off the ground as a way of regaining their ego. When they fail to get at me with the 'packing', because I would often dodge it by jumping off the ground, they spend the remaining part of the match trying to vent their anger on me by giving me a rough tackle anytime the ball is passed to me. Playing football actually took much of my time, and sometimes, as a key player among my street guys, I could go so far from home with my colleagues just to ensure we win our opponents when invited. Today, it is amazing how the hot passion I had for playing football seems to be completely gone. Many times when I tell my friends now how much I played football they usually doubt my claims. Anyway, I wouldn't blame them because it has been long I last displayed my football skills on a consistent basis, especially as I don't even care to know what the UEFA league tables are saying nor what the news in FA cup is, not to talk of the NFL. Indeed, life is in phases and those phases bring with them passions for different things which present us with some parameters with which to judge our progress in life.

MY THANKSGIVING CALENDAR FOR 2013

“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits” Psalm 103:1-2

            My God and my Father, I will never cease to celebrate your faithfulness in the way you father me. When I look around my life in retrospect since 2013, all I see is how your love has decorated my destiny. My biggest blessings have always come not by my labour but as a gift from you. I write to say a big thank you Lord.

            In January, you kicked off the year for me with a New Year Service at Faith Tabernacle in Canaanland. It indeed marked the beginning of a ‘Double Portion’ year for me. I was so excited because a lot of interesting things were happening. You took me on the ‘Double Portion’ flight with 21days fasting and prayer in which I kept asking for divine guidance. Thank you for the strength to participate fully from day one to day last and for the spiritual fortifications that came along. With my National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) programme nearing its end, you helped me as the State President of my fellowship, the Winners Corpers Fellowship (WCF), Kogi State, with the wonderful support of my co-leaders to organize our 4^th State Conference which was tagged, “BORN TO WIN”. I will forever remain grateful to you for the success and impact recorded. Dear God thank you for the privilege to serve as a leader both in the fellowship and in my Community Development Service (CDS) group, it gave me wonderful exposures and connections.

            In February, my Passing out Parade (POP) was fast approaching. You set everything in motion to work in my favour as the leader of my fellowship and the secretary of my CDS group. Successful passing out activities held in my CDS group and especially in my fellowship, WCF, we were able to organize a very successful Banquet in honour of the outgoing corpers. It gladdens my heart because I saw grand style supernatural providence at work.     

            On 14^th February precisely, you handed me my NYSC certificate stress free. And when I went back to my place of primary assignment for my send forth occasion, you blessed me with material and financial gifts and a job offer. Indeed, it was a service year full of exposures, connections impact and ‘next levels’ blessings. I give you all the glory.

            When the month of March came, it was my month of ‘I am destined for exploits’. You kept advancing my life, giving me opportunities to impart lives while blessing me financially. You took me on a trip to Abuja for the Easter holidays where I met my friends and had opportunity to visit Goshen City on Easter Sunday for an exceptional encounter in your presence.

            Then came April, the month of ‘Godliness Engenders Greatness’. I was still at Abuja on tour, visiting interesting places just like I enjoy doing. Once again you took me in the company of a friend to Ladi Kwali Hall of Sheraton Hotels Abuja for a praise program. It was a powerful moment for me and Father I am thankful for the wow! experience. Though the devil kept throwing pellets at me, your grace kept me going and I am alive and strong to say thank you.

            In May, my month of ‘Divine Guidance Guarantees Breakthroughs’, you kept blessing me with opportunities to impart lives while meeting my needs. In quest for higher studies, you gave me a non-conditional admission into the University of Sheffield and you have been preparing me for that ‘next levels’ experience.

            Then came June, my month of ‘I shall see the Glory of God’. You kept improving my living standards. I saw your hand at work in providing my every need. You offered me a more comfortable accommodation in an enviable part of the city of Lokoja. I write to say thank you very much for how you have treated me.

            Father, I also want to give you high praise for rescuing my friend Chibuzor Innocent from a ghastly accident which took the life of the bike man carrying him. May the soul of that man rest in peace.

            When July came along, it was indeed my month. I had opportunity to write a scholarship test at Abuja. Thank you for my being able to make it to the test that morning even though I got the invitation late. After my test I had another opportunity to visit City Chapel Abuja, after which I worshipped at All Saints Chapel, Wuse Zone 5 on the Sunday. I am glad about it all because you keep taking me on these tours which I enjoy so much. Thank you Father.

            When July 29 came, it was my birthday and you brought my friends around to celebrate me like never before. I give you all the glory for it was indeed a ‘next level’ experience for me

            While I was still in the euphoria of all you have been doing for me since the year began, I had to cease the ending tern to resign from my job in Lokoja so as to obey a leading you gave me to move from Lokoja to Lagos.

            It happened in August, after the ‘Altar of Sacrifice’ service at Canaanland, you supernaturally delivered to me my ‘Double Portion’ apartment in Lagos. It was indeed my month of ‘Sudden Visitation’. I give you all the glory.

            When September came, my month of ‘I will bring you health and cure’, I was believing you for a miracle job in Lagos and had to reject some offers because I expected greater ones. Meanwhile you have continued to prove your faithfulness to me by the way you kept me supplied. I give you all the glory Jehovah over-do.

            In October, ‘My season of Encounter with Power’, I started a job which I had to resign after two weeks because the working conditions were not favourable. I thought to myself and declared, ‘I can never have a better yesterday!’ Meanwhile, I thank you Father for that experience. Your faithfulness to me is ever flowing and I am glad to have you as my Father. In the course of the month, I learnt about my cousin’s wedding which I attended. It was quite a gorgeous one and I am so glad because it availed me the opportunity to connect with lots of my relatives and town’s people. Father receive my praise.

            Then came November, my month of ‘Praise works Wonders’. You have brought me to understand that ‘Praise warriors’ win greater battles than ‘Prayer warriors’. It is quite an exciting new experience for me because my fellowship with you is taking a new dimension. This month happens to be the month I am writing this my thanksgiving calendar. And I think it is a most appropriate time to send you my thanks and praise. Accept my gratitude everlasting King of Glory.

            As December fast approaches, and while am still basking in the euphoria of all you have done for me since the year began, you are already packaging another set of wonders for me as SHILOH 2013 event comes nearer. This time you have tagged the package ‘EXCEEDING GRACE’ and I can see clearly that even greater things are still ahead. Bring it on LORD, I can’t wait to experience what you have for me; accept my thanks and praise Jehovah God.

From your beloved Son,

Lotachukwu Azubuike

LET'S HEAR WHAT FARRAH GRAY HAS TO SAY

5 Success Tips from a Young Millionaire

--Millennial entrepreneur Farrah Gray shares how to overcome fear

Many students and young professionals fail to fully realize their dreams because of fear. Some of the top fears are:

• Fear of the unknown
• Fear of rejection
• Fear of embarrassment
• Fear of success and the expectations that come with it
• … and the No. 1 fear is “the fear of failure”

An interview with a young professional who has attained the type of success that a lot of young people dream about pursuing in 2013 reveals a lot of things about overcoming this “fear of failure”. Twenty-eight-year-old Farrah Gray was raised on Chicago’s impoverished South Side, and by age 14, was one of the youngest teens to become a self-made millionaire in the United States.

As a result of his amazing business and philanthropic successes, he’s been featured by Oprah Winfrey, BET, CNN, Good Morning America, USA Today, as well as the Tom Joyner Morning Show and Michael Baisden Show—to name a few.

Here are tips that he wanted to share with readers on how to overcome the fear of failure:

• Depersonalize failure and rejection: Don’t view yourself as a failure. Failure and rejection are just somebody else’s opinions of you. Embrace the concept of failure and use it as a learning experience because it’s not over until you win.

• Become self-made and never give up: When you feel like giving up think about the reasons why you’ve held on so long. Remember that when you face your breaking point your breakthrough is right around the corner because persistence is the best way to overcome resistance. Be mindful that you have to walk and knock on 1,000 doors before one will open.

• Operate to the beat of your own drum and don’t take no for an answer: As young people and professionals, we’ve been told “no” all of our lives—’No, it’s not your turn,’ ‘No, you’re not old enough,” ‘No, you don’t have enough experience,’ or ‘No, you can’t get a loan.’ But now it’s time to for you to say, ‘Nobody will stop me!’

• Be your own Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Only Operating Officer (OOO): You have to make things happen for yourself. You are your own product and service. You must continue to develop and refine yourself so you will be nimble, therefore you’ll be able to adapt to the ever-changing business and job markets.

• Don’t wait. Hustle: Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘Things come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.’ We are a generation of hustle, and we should never forget that. If one does it for the right reasons, hustling will bring about many positive rewards and benefits. Don’t wait, start hustling now.

Adapted from BlackEnterprise.com a renowned site for those who are enterprise inclined.

Those who know create more opportunities than the number of opportunities that come to them.

See more insights for online money @ www.profitclicking.com/?r=NcKFEZ3pVU&p=ff